Associate Degree Program - Harrisburg
NOTICE: Curriculum change for fall 2010. 

Respiratory therapists provide the hands-on care that helps people recover from a wide range of medical conditions. Therapists get to know their patients, and their patients’ families, and have the opportunity to help them through trying times. Whenever breathing is an issue, they are there.  Entry-level graduates are eligible to become a certified respiratory therapist (CRT) after completion of the national credentialing examination. An advanced practitioner graduate is eligible to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT).

About the career

Course requirements/suggested schedule (pdf) revised 2/10
Program revision information - January 31, 2010 - please read!

Estimated Expenses (pdf)
Admission Criteria and Point System, Essential Qualifications and Shadowing Form (pdf) (revised 9/09)
Policies Affecting Program Admission

Selective program. Admission to the college doesn't guarantee admission to the clinical component of the program. You will be admitted as a pre-respiratory student and work with your advisor to apply to the clinical/core component of the program.

REQUIRED VIEWING PRIOR TO MEETING WITH PROGRAM DIRECTOR:

• Respiratory Therapist AARC "Life and Breath" video (Windows Media) (This video is required viewing for RESP students)
  
• Health Careers Orientation
  
  • Overview of Health Career Professions
    
  • Academic Overview

Length of Program and College Degree Conferred - The respiratory therapy program is 85 credits, including 7 clinical semesters, with the awarding of an associate in science degree upon successful completion. Completion time can vary depending on a candidate's background and need for identified preparatory skills and coursework and the student's rate of study. The complete program is offered at the Harrisburg campus. Some required courses offered at other campuses and sites. The Respiratory Therapist program uses local healthcare facilities in the Dauphin, Cumberland, and Franklin County areas, however, the student may be required to travel to other areas in order to meet the learning objectives. Questions regarding these rotations should be discussed with the director of clinical education.

Graduates are eligible to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). This reflects recent changes in accreditation for respiratory therapist programs nationwide.

Program goal:  To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavioral) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Respiratory Therapist Program Contacts
Initial contact should be made to HealthCareers@hacc.edu
(717) 780-1988 or (800) 222-4222 ext. 1988
Bradley A. Leidich, Program Director
Harrisburg Campus
Blocker Hall Room 221baleidic@hacc.edu
(717) 780-2315 or (800) 222-4222 ext. 2315

To arrange shadowing - contact:Curtis Aumiller, Director of Clinical Education
rcaumill@hacc.edu(717) 780-2313 or (800) 222-4222 ext. 2313